Homework and habit work are essential tools for completing unfinished work or practicing skills and teaching personal responsibility and diligence. Homework is generally assigned for one of five reasons:
- Daily habit building
- To provide extra practice with new concepts, skills or facts
- Repeated, short periods of practice or study of new information, which is often a better way to learn than one long period of study
- Completion of assignments for students who, although given adequate time, were unable to accomplish the assignment in class 5. To encourage parent participation in the student’s education which keeps parents informed as to the current topics of study in the class
The amount of homework and habit work varies from grade to grade and from student to student. In the early grades (K-2nd), work consists of math facts, reading, and studying. Parents are encouraged to read with their students and review relevant material.
In third through fifth grades, work averages approximately 1 to 1.5 hours a night. Homework is not assigned over the weekend except for long-term projects. During the school day, Wise Time is provided in each class for students to complete work.
Please note that the amount of homework for students depends on how well they use time in the classroom as well as on their personal pace. Some students process quickly and do not need as much time to complete assignments whereas other students process slower and take additional time to complete tasks. If your student has multiple subject assignments other than reading, math facts and studying for tests please make an appointment with the classroom teacher.
Geneva expects families to prioritize academic mastery over extracurricular activities whether offered by Geneva or outside groups, especially for students who need extra time to complete assignments.